Hinged overcap for rectangular containers

ABSTRACT

An overcap for a generally rectangular container comprises a generally rectangular top panel, and a skirt joined to and depending from the outer periphery of the top panel for engaging an outwardly projecting rim of a container to removably affix the overcap on the container. The overcap comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion is connected to the fixed portion along a hinge such that the movable portion can be lifted upward, pivoting about the hinge, while the fixed portion remains affixed on the container. The fixed portion of the overcap is structured and arranged for engaging three of the four corners of the container, the hinge extending generally diagonally across the top panel, and the movable portion being structured and arranged to engage and disengage the fourth corner of the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to overcaps for containers, and particularly to overcaps for non-round containers wherein the overcap includes a hinged lid portion that can be lifted to gain access to the container contents.

Generally rectangular metal cans for containing spices or the like often include a molded plastic snap-on cap that has one or more hinged lids for covering one or more openings formed through the top panel of the cap. A lid is lifted to uncover the opening, which can be configured for shaking contents from the can or can be sized and shaped to allow a measuring spoon or the like to be inserted into the can to scoop out some of the contents. With these types of caps, the entire periphery of the cap always remains engaged with the can because the opening is formed through the cap's top panel.

For some types of products, however, it is desirable to be able to insert a relatively large measuring scoop or the like into the container to scoop out some of the contents. It may be desirable in other cases to pour the contents out the opening. The required size of the opening for accommodating the scoop may be larger than what can be provided through the top panel of the cap. Additionally, pouring from the opening is hindered by the fact that the peripheral portion of the cap typically forms a lip that obstructs the free flow of product. Accordingly, in such instances, the cap can be configured so that an entire end portion of the cap can be lifted such that the end portion disengages from the rim of the container. The end portion is connected by a hinge to the fixed portion of the cap that remains engaged with the container. Such a cap allows a relatively large opening to be created for accessing the container contents, since the opening is not obstructed by any portion of the cap. Examples of caps of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,654, U.S. Pat. No. 3,412,890, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,890.

The caps described in the above patents, however, are not usable with containers that have a flexible membrane lid affixed across the top edge of the container for initial sealing of the container, because the caps include both an outer skirt and an inner skirt between which the top edge and rim of the container are received. The inner skirt would interfere with a membrane lid.

Various solutions to this problem have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,890 discloses a container having an annular flange spaced below the top edge of the container and extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the container wall, and having the membrane sealed to the flange. Accordingly, the membrane is not interfered with by the overcap engaged on the top edge of the container. This solution, however, is unsatisfactory for certain types of containers, such as composite cans, wherein it is impractical to provide the necessary annular flange. Additionally, the flange causes an undesirable obstruction of the opening of the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,566 notes the problem of using overcaps having both outer and inner skirts with containers that are sealed by a flexible membrane adhered atop the rim of the container. In the solution proposed in the '566 patent, the inner skirt is omitted. However, as noted in the patent, elimination of the inner skirt results in the overcap being susceptible to sliding off the container when the movable portion of the overcap is lifted. To address this problem, the outer surface of the container body includes fowardly facing shoulders and the overcap includes rearwardly facing shoulders that engage the shoulders on the container body to prevent the overcap from sliding off the rear of the container body when the movable portion is opened. The shoulders on the container body can be relatively easily provided in the container of the '566 patent because it is molded plastic. However, such shoulders would generally not be attainable or practical on a composite can. Thus, this solution to the problem is not suitable for composite containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above needs and provides other advantages, by providing an overcap configured to remain in place on a generally rectangular container without the use of an inner skirt and without requiring special shoulders or other features on the container or overcap. Accordingly, the overcap can be used on composite containers and/or containers sealed by a flexible membrane lid.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an overcap for a generally rectangular container comprises a generally rectangular top panel, and a skirt joined to and depending from the outer periphery of the top panel, the skirt defining radially outer and inner surfaces, the inner surface of the skirt being adapted for engaging an outwardly projecting rim of a container to removably affix the overcap on the container. The overcap comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion comprising a first portion of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to the first portion, the movable portion comprising the remainder of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined thereto. The movable portion is connected to the fixed portion along a hinge such that the movable portion can be lifted upward, pivoting about the hinge, while the fixed portion remains affixed on the container. The fixed portion of the overcap is structured and arranged for engaging three of the four corners of the container, the hinge extending generally diagonally across the top panel, and the movable portion being structured and arranged to engage and disengage the fourth corner of the container.

By engaging three corners of the container, the fixed portion of the overcap is not susceptible to sliding off the container when the movable portion is lifted. Accordingly, no inner skirt is required to keep the overcap in place. The overcap allows for the creation of a relatively large opening so that the container contents can be scooped or poured out without hindrance from any peripheral portion of the overcap.

The overcap optionally can include a scraper integrally formed on the lower surface of the first portion of the top panel for leveling a measuring scoop or spoon inserted into the container to scoop out some of the contents. The scraper advantageously is located adjacent to and parallel with the hinge, and preferably is as close as possible to the opening that is created when the movable portion is lifted. The scraper thus will extend along the diagonal edge of the opening in a position suitable for scraping off excess product from a scoop as the scoop is withdrawn from the container.

In an embodiment particularly suitable for containers sealed with a flexible membrane lid, the lower surface of the top panel immediately adjacent the inner surface of the skirt is free of any downward projections that would interfere with sealing of the membrane across the open top end of the container. Additionally, where a scraper is included, advantageously a central region of the top panel from which the scraper depends is located so that the lower edge of the scraper lies substantially at or above the level of the membrane. This ensures that the scraper does not interfere with the membrane.

Preferably, the movable portion and the fixed portion of the overcap comprise parts of a one-piece integrally molded structure. The hinge connecting the movable portion to the fixed portion can comprise a living hinge, which can be formed as a reduced-thickness region of the top panel extending in a line diagonally across the top panel. Advantageously, the reduced-thickness region is formed by a groove in the lower surface of the top panel, as opposed to having the groove in the upper surface of the top panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container and overcap in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the overcap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the overcap along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, showing the overcap closed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the hinge region of the overcap;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the hinged portion of the overcap open;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container and overcap in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the underside of the overcap of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a generally rectangular container 10 and overcap 20 in accordance with the invention. The container 10 includes a side wall or body wall 12 that extends upward from a base of the container and terminates in a top edge 14. The body wall 12 defines a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape for the container. At the top edge of the body wall, an outwardly projecting bead or rim 16 is formed. The rim extends about the periphery of the container opening. In the case of a composite container as shown, the rim can be formed by curling or rolling the upper edge of the body wall outwardly using a suitable tool such as a die.

The container 10 further includes a flexible membrane lid 18 affixed to the top edge 14 of the container body wall for initially sealing the container closed. The lid 18 can include a sealant material such as a heat seal material on its lower surface for sealing the lid to the top edge of the container body wall. The body wall can be formed of a compatible heat-sealable material; alternatively, in the case of a composite container, a liner (not shown) of the container can have a compatible heat-sealable material forming its innermost surface for attachment to the lid. The lid can be a multilayer structure including one or more barrier layers and one or more layer for providing desired strength or stiffness properties, in addition to the sealant layer. The particular construction of the lid and the manner in which it is affixed to the container are not important to the present invention.

The overcap 20 is configured to removably engage the top end of the container. The overcap includes a top panel 22 that is generally horizontal when the overcap is atop the container. The top panel has a generally rectangular shape in plan view. Joined to and depending from the outer periphery of the top panel is a skirt 24 that has a generally tubular shape and extends generally vertically (i.e., generally perpendicular to the top panel). The skirt 24 has a radially outer surface 26 and a radially inner surface 28. The radially inner surface 28 defines a recess or channel 30 (FIG. 5) for receiving the rim 16 of the container. An inwardly protruding rib 32 is formed on the inner surface 28 and the channel 30 is located between the rib 32 and the top panel 22 (and in fact the channel 30 exists because of the presence of the rib 32). In a relaxed state of the overcap, the rib 32 has a slightly smaller radius (measured from the center of the top panel) than the rim 16 of the container. The material of which the overcap is made (and the container material in some cases) has sufficient flexibility and resilience so that the overcap can be snapped over the rim 16 by deforming the skirt 24 and/or rib 32 and/or rim until the rib engages beneath the rim as shown in FIG. 3. The overcap is retained on the container by friction and by the resilience of the overcap, but the overcap can be removed by pulling with enough force to deform the interlocking parts so that the rib clears the rim.

The overcap 20 comprises a fixed portion 34 and a movable portion 36. The fixed portion 34 is connected to the movable portion 36 along a hinge 38 that permits the movable portion 36 to be pivoted upwardly about the hinge to provide an opening into the container as shown in FIG. 5. When the overcap is a molded plastic structure (e.g., formed by injection molding), the hinge 38 advantageously can comprise a living hinge as known in the art. The living hinge essentially comprises a reduced-thickness region of the top panel 22 that gives the reduced-thickness region sufficient flexibility to allow the movable portion 36 to be pivoted about the region. Advantageously, the reduced-thickness region is formed by providing a channel or groove 40 (FIG. 4) in the lower surface of the top panel 22, and optionally also a groove 41 in the upper surface of the top panel as shown. It is possible to provide the groove in the upper surface only, or to provide groove in the lower surface only. The invention is not limited to any particular location(s) of the groove(s).

The hinge 38 extends generally diagonally along the overcap in relation to the four corners. In particular, the hinge is located and oriented in such a manner that the fixed portion 34 of the overcap engages three of the four corners of the container (as best seen in FIG. 1), and the movable portion 36, when it is closed, engages the fourth corner. The engagement of the fixed portion 34 with three corners of the container prevents the overcap from sliding off the container when the movable portion 36 is lifted, even though the overcap lacks an inner skirt.

The container of FIGS. 1-5 is prepared for use by first removing the overcap 20 and peeling off the membrane lid 18. The overcap is then replaced atop the container. When it is desired to remove a portion of the container contents, the movable portion 36 is lifted by prying it upwardly, thereby creating an opening into the container. A spoon or measuring scoop may then be inserted through the opening to scoop out some of the contents as shown in FIG. 5. The overcap can include a scraper 50 that projects downwardly from the lower surface of the top panel. The scraper 50 advantageously is located on the fixed portion 34 of the overcap, closely adjacent to the hinge 38. The scraper advantageously is parallel to the hinge. Accordingly, the scraper is positioned to allow a measuring scoop heaped with container contents to be leveled by scraping the scraper across the top edge of the scoop as shown. Advantageously, the lower edge of the scraper lies substantially at or above the level of the membrane 18. This ensures that the scraper does not interfere with the membrane.

An alternative embodiment of an overcap 120 in accordance with the invention is depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. The overcap 120 has a top panel 122 and skirt 124 configured in generally similar fashion to the top panel and skirt of the previously described overcap. The inner surface of the skirt 124 defines a series of circumferentially extending ribs 132 spaced apart about the circumference for engaging the rim of the container, as opposed to a single substantially continuous rib as in the previously described embodiment. The overcap 120 also includes a scraper 150 that projects downwardly from the lower surface of the top panel 122. The overcap 120 is configured for a container having a more-elongate rectangular shape compared to the container of FIG. 1. The hinge 138 is still located in such a manner that the fixed portion 134 of the overcap engages three of the four corners of the container, and the movable portion 136 engages the fourth corner when closed. The overcap 120 also includes a protruding tab 152 on the movable portion to assist in prying it upwardly.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A plastic overcap for a generally rectangular container having an open top end defining four corners, comprising: a generally rectangular top panel having an outer periphery, an upper surface, and a lower surface; a skirt joined to and depending from the outer periphery of the top panel, the skirt defining radially outer and inner surfaces, the inner surface of the skirt being adapted for engaging an outwardly projecting rim of a container to removably affix the overcap on the container; the overcap comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion comprising a first portion of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said first portion, the movable portion comprising the remainder of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said remainder, the movable portion being connected to the fixed portion along a hinge such that the movable portion can be lifted upward, pivoting about the hinge, while the fixed portion remains affixed on the container; the fixed portion of the overcap being structured and arranged for engaging three of the four corners of the container, the hinge extending generally diagonally across the top panel, and the movable portion being structured and arranged to engage and disengage the fourth corner of the container.
 2. The overcap of claim 1, further comprising a scraper integrally formed on the lower surface of the first portion of the top panel for leveling a scoop.
 3. The overcap of claim 2, wherein the scraper is located adjacent to and parallel with the hinge.
 4. The overcap of claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the top panel immediately adjacent the inner surface of the skirt is free of any downward projections that would interfere with sealing of a membrane across the open top end of the container to which the overcap is adapted to be affixed.
 5. The overcap of claim 1, wherein the movable portion and the fixed portion comprise parts of a one-piece integrally molded structure, the hinge connecting the movable portion to the fixed portion comprising a living hinge.
 6. The overcap of claim 5, wherein the living hinge is formed by a reduced-thickness region of the top panel extending in a line diagonally across the top panel.
 7. The overcap of claim 6, wherein the reduced-thickness region is formed by a groove in at least one of the upper surface and lower surface of the top panel.
 8. The overcap of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the skirt defines a channel for receiving the rim of the container.
 9. A container and closure therefor, comprising: a container body having a wall defining a top edge encircling an opening of the container, the container body at the top edge defining a generally rectangular cross-section having four corners, the wall defining an outwardly projecting rim extending from the top edge; a flexible membrane lid affixed atop the top edge of the container body wall to seal closed the opening of the container; and an overcap removably attached to the container body for re-closing the container after removal of the membrane lid, the overcap comprising: a generally rectangular top panel having an outer periphery, an upper surface, and a lower surface; a skirt joined to and depending from the outer periphery of the top panel, the skirt defining radially outer and inner surfaces, the inner surface of the skirt being configured to engage the rim of the container body to removably affix the overcap on the container, wherein the lower surface of the top panel immediately adjacent the inner surface of the skirt is free of any downward projections that would interfere with the membrane lid; the overcap comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion comprising a first portion of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said first portion, the movable portion comprising the remainder of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said remainder, the movable portion being connected to the fixed portion along a hinge such that the movable portion can be lifted upward, pivoting about the hinge, while the fixed portion remains affixed on the container; the fixed portion of the overcap engaging three of the four corners of the container, the hinge extending generally diagonally across the top panel, and the movable portion being structured and arranged to engage and disengage the fourth corner of the container.
 10. The container and closure of claim 9, wherein the overcap further comprises a scraper integrally formed on the lower surface of the first portion of the top panel for leveling a scoop.
 11. The container and closure of claim 10, wherein the scraper is located adjacent to and parallel with the hinge.
 12. The container and closure of claim 10, wherein a lower edge of the scraper lies substantially at or above the level of the membrane.
 13. The container and closure of claim 9, wherein the movable portion and the fixed portion of the overcap comprise parts of a one-piece integrally molded structure, the hinge connecting the movable portion to the fixed portion comprising a living hinge.
 14. The container and closure of claim 13, wherein the living hinge is formed by a reduced-thickness region of the top panel extending in a line diagonally across the top panel.
 15. The container and closure of claim 14, wherein the reduced-thickness region is formed by a groove in at least one of the upper surface and lower surface of the top panel. 